Training and development to increase capacity for older adults physical activity
Somerset Activity & Sports Partnership (SASP) is inviting applications from organisations and stakeholders to access funding provided by Public Health at Somerset Council to strengthen the workforce supporting older adults to be more physically active across Somerset.
£11,000 is available through a grant application process, with applicants required to submit a proposal outlining how they intend to build a skilled, confident and connected workforce that can better support older adults to be active, reduce falls risk, and improve health and wellbeing. Successful applicants will contribute to expanding workforce capacity through one or more of the following:
· Accredited training in older adult physical activity, falls prevention, and strength and balance.
· Capacity-building workshops for staff working across health, social care, the voluntary and community sector, and leisure services.
· Development and implementation of a cross-sector skills framework to promote consistent practice and strengthen pathways into community-based physical activity.
· Enhanced signposting and brief intervention skills, enabling more professionals to confidently promote physical activity as part of routine contact with older adults.
Successful projects are expected to be delivered over a minimum of an 18 month period and contribute to the following outcomes:
· Improved competence, skills and confidence of the workforce supporting older adults.
· Increased referrals into appropriate physical activity opportunities and programmes.
· More consistent messaging and practice aligned with national guidance.
· Stronger partnership working across sectors, with shared expectations and coordinated approaches to supporting older people's physical activity.
SASP welcomes applications that address identified needs and gaps in provision, as well as those that create the conditions for sustainable, long-term change. This may include developing effective ways of working, establishing strong foundations, and embedding learning and good practice across organisations.
Examples may include:
· Training the wider workforce to create a larger network of people supporting active ageing
· Supporting behaviour change
· Focusing on strength, balance and mobility to maintain independence
· Community-led ideas
To apply for funding please fill out this form here: SASP | Older Adults Physical Activity Development Fund